Doug Crumley’s recent reminiscing of his time with Lochrae U/27 Juveniles prompted an author to write to BwB.
Norrie Price said: “I read with interest your recent article about the successful Dundee U/27 Juvenile side Lochrae between 1959 and 1961.
“That was a real blast from the past as I, too, played for Lochrae.
“My time with the club was during the late 1960s.
“By then, two of the players pictured — Davie Pullar and ‘Peem’ Dyer (I’m sure his brother was also there) were on their committee — with wee Davie, their former keeper, the driving force.
“I was at Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College and had inquired at David Low’s Sports Shop in the Seagate, Dundee, whether they knew of a team looking for a left-back.
“In no time, Davie Pullar was on the case and soon I was wearing the royal blue of Lochrae.”
Norrie, a staunch Dundee FC fan, continued: “Each week, a plain postcard would arrive instructing me to report to the ‘clubrooms’, which turned out to be a near derelict first-floor tenement flat.
“This flat was complete with old sofas and long disused bikes and was situated on the lower Hilltown.
“It was later demolished and replaced by flats, and we moved to other premises in the city’s Dura Street.
“One of my first games was against Arbroath SC, with whom I had enjoyed many a Sunday morning training session.
“They were an excellent team and, although it rankled that they had never given me a chance, I was more than happy to participate in a battling 2-1 Lochrae win against them at a muddy Fairmuir Park!
“My recollection was of an inspirational, hard-as-nails Lochrae centre-half called Sonny Crerar, with other talented team-mates like goalkeeper Billy McMaster, right-back Davie Craig and Stuart Allison.
“There was also the tenacious Gordon Pullar, Davie’s bother, in midfield, with Dave Barrie and Davie Mitchell up front.”
Remembering the venues, Norrie, also a Dundee FC historian, went on: “We played on public parks all over the city, including Riverside, Lochee Park and Claypotts, but on occasion we also got to sample junior pitches like North End Park and Dundee Violet’s Glenesk Park.
“Results were nothing spectacular but there was certainly a memorable ‘smoker’ or two, which were great for team morale.
“At least one was in the Breadalbane Arms (known locally as The Bread or The Bothy) and league secretary Jimmy Johnstone always put in an appearance.
“Davie always gave us great encouragement and I also recall him lending me a set of strips for use in a College Cup Final at Beechwood Park, a venue which he had arranged.
“This was a smashing gesture, which I will never forget.”
Norrie, whose publications include ‘They Wore The Dark Blue’, ‘Up Wi’ The Bonnets’ and ‘Gritty, Gallant, Glorious (Hearts)’, concluded: However, then came a split in the committee, which led to Davie Puller forming a new Juvenile side, Albion Rangers.
“As a youngster, I wasn’t aware of the politics but, although most of us joined him at Albion, Davie’s influence was diminished.
“A few months afterwards, I was on the move, later moving to Aberdeen for work.
“I think, however, that both Pullars remained at Albion for a number of years, with Davie going on to achieve prominence as secretary of the very successful Dundee Sunday Boys League.
“That allowed him to once again watch his beloved Dundee FC on a regular basis from his front row seat in the main stand at Dens Park, a habit he much enjoyed until his and Gordon’s untimely passing within a short time of each other just a few years ago.”
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